METTLE (Spartan Riders #2) by J.C. Valentine-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 26, 2016

Talia McKinnon said goodbye to love the day she signed the divorce papers and moved across the country looking for a fresh start. With work occupying her days and nights, a relationship is the last thing on her mind, until a run-in with a hot-as-Hades, leather clad biker changes her mind. He’s everything she shouldn’t want but has to have. The problem is, he’s not that easy to catch.

Tucker “Country” Abrams believes in two things: brotherhood and women. He takes his job seriously and his women hard, but at the end of the day, the only loyalty he has is to his club. So when a night with a beautiful stranger threatens to change everything, he’s quick to apply the brakes. But when a little detective work reveals that Talia may be much more than a one-night stand, Tucker is tasked with an impossible decision. Will he push her away, or go against every instinct he has and pull her closer?

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REVIEW: METTLE is the second installment in J.C. Valentine’s contemporary, adult SPARTAN RIDERS erotic MC romance series focusing on the men and women of the Spartan Riders Motorcycle club. This is Sargent at Arms Tucker ‘Country’ Abrams, and undercover agent Talia McKinnon’s story line. METTLE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but for cohesion and backstory I recommend reading the series in order as some of the events in book two are as of a direct result from some of the events in book one GRIT wherein threats against the club president’s girlfriend continue to grow.

Told from several third person points of view METTLE follows special agent Talia McKinnon on her assignment to infiltrate the Spartan Riders MC in the hopes of ferreting out a human trafficking ring. The FBI’s most recent undercover agent with the Spartan Riders MC has gone dark, and Talia has volunteered for the next undercover assignment. What ensues is the building relationship between Talia and the Spartan Riders Sargent at arms Tucker Abrams- a manwhore whose latest club bunny has been pushed to the side- and Talia’s search for any information that will lead to the missing women, and proof that Tucker and his MC are involved.

The relationship between Tucker and Talia is quick to develop as Tucker is a man who never refuses an offer for a night of uninhibited $ex but is also a man who doesn’t do relationships or love. Talia’s undercover assignment does not include taking her marks to bed, but in order to get close to the MC, Talia is willing to go above and beyond until her cover is blown by one of her own. One thing stands in Talia’s way-club bunny Bambi-a woman who has her claws in Tucker Abrams. The $ex scenes are erotic, intense and provocative. There is plenty of sexual tension and palpable energy between our leading couple.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including club President Blake Mahone and his girlfriend Gabby (Grit), as well as a number of Club members-The Spartans VP Repo has his eyes set on club bartender Ginger-a woman scorned when the man she loved fell in love with someone else. We are introduced to Talia’s co-workers and fellow agents in the field, some of whom may be working for the other side. The characters are real, heartbreaking and intense.

The world building looks at life within the MC: the friendships, rivalries, rules and regulations. Sex is a regular part of their every day life, and no one is immune from jealousy or threats.

METTLE is a fast paced, intriguing story of betrayal and trust; lies and deceit; friendship and love; forgiveness and letting go of the past. The premise is engaging and riveting; the romance is passionate, energetic and seductive. J.C. Valentine’s METTLE will suck you in for the ride of your life.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one GRIT

Copy supplied by the promoter

Reviewed by Sandy